Our Beginning
In 2020, the Equity and Diversity Committee (EDC) advocated for the creation of an office focused on diversity, equity and inclusion to provide “continually committed” leadership in this area throughout CALS. In a series of formal communications to CALS leadership, the EDC laid out several other priorities, including adopting a DEI professional development requirement as well as an anti-racism statement on all job postings. In early 2022, CALS hired its first Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to establish the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI).
The ODEI endeavors to honor the advocacy that led to its establishment by ensuring the college aligns with its values and is positioned to realize its greatest potential. It leads the college’s efforts to foster an inclusive community and combat racism and hate.
Support DEI initiatives with a charitable gift directed to the CALS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund (112040135) at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
Our Mission
The CALS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) seeks to cultivate connection within CALS and our broader community by promoting a greater understanding of DEI and expanding knowledge to grow individual and collective capacity leading to measurable change.
Our Pillars of Practice
COMMUNITY
Leverage the power of engagement and collaboration to promote a shared sense of responsibility to healthy culture.
LEARNING
Activate and sustain a culture capable of innovating across functional areas.
IMPACT
Establish a culture that centers outcomes and seeks to effectively utilize data to align with co-defined organizational values.
…in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Maya Angelou